We get asked this question from time to time: “Do you carry LELO?” And it makes sense—LELO’s been a big name in the pleasure industry for a long time. Their toys are sleek. The motors are strong. Their branding is glossy and luxe. But at Lotus Blooms, we carry products with intention, and we make choices based on more than just looks and vibration patterns.

Back in 2016, LELO launched their HEX condoms with a very unexpected spokesperson: Charlie Sheen. This came shortly after he disclosed his HIV status, and the brand cited his “experience” as a way to open conversations about STI prevention, condom use, and personal change.

We believe in second chances. We believe people can grow. But we also believe in accountability.

Charlie Sheen’s long-documented history of violence and abuse toward women should have disqualified him from being the paid face of a company whose primary customers are women and femmes. A company that claims to center pleasure, empowerment, and safety missed the mark—and made a statement loud and clear about who they were willing to platform and profit with.

Here’s the quick version: HEX condoms are made up of a web of tiny hexagons. Sounds high-tech, right? But if one of those little hexagons breaks, the damage might be so small you don’t even notice—and that’s actually a huge problem.

With traditional condoms, if there’s a break, you know it happened, and you can make informed decisions afterward (like getting Plan B from Lotus Blooms in store, for example). HEX condoms that make it much harder to notice if a condom breaks during use, or was pierced to start. And as fun as it sounds to be able to keep on going when a condom breaks- its the opposite of the point of a condoms.  And when we’re talking about STI transmission and pregnancy prevention, transparency isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Back in the early 2010s, LELO was the gold standard. We carried them, recommended them, and sold a ton. But as the industry evolved—offering more options for body safe toys, innovative designs, at a great value—LELO didn’t adapt. They didn’t innovate. They just got more expensive.

And then they started undercutting their retailers. Their website often sold direct to consumers at prices that were nearly identical to what small shops like ours paid wholesale. That’s not partnership—it’s competition. And it made it impossible to keep their products on our shelves while also supporting our mission and our staff.

So what do we recommend instead?

We carry plenty of toys that are just as sleek, powerful, and intuitive as LELO—but made by brands that are pushing the industry forward instead of resting on a reputation.

Ask us about:

✨ We-Vibe for app-connected innovation, consistently powerful motors, and intentional designs

✨ Dame for design that centers real people’s experiences in their research, and therefore makes toys that real people are looking for

✨ Nu Sensuelle for powerful motors at accessible prices, engineered, designed, and owned by a badass woman